When I look in the mirror, I see a woman with a large head of hair. Sometimes it behaves and curls right, but other times it protests and does its own thing. Either way, I smile at my reflection and make nice with it, because it’s mine and here to stay. My 3-year-old daughter watches this exchange between me and my reflection. This is our morning ritual while the house scrambles to get ready for the day ahead. Once I move from the mirror, she comes, takes my place and interacts with her reflective twin; smiling and chatting like old friends.

I smile at my reflection and make nice with it, because it’s mine and here to stay.
I made the choice [a personal decision] to go natural four years ago. At the time, I didn’t realize the important stand I was taking or the influence this decision could have on my children. How I see it — this was a declaration of self-love and pride. My hair reflects my personal beauty, and the beauty of my culture and its rich roots. My natural hair provides a story filled with bold colors, vivid smells, and a long list of ancestral ties.

I was 21 when I got breast implants in 2002. My boyfriend at the time suggested I get them and even offered to pay for them if I lost 10 pounds and I was only 110 pounds at the time. He was 10 years older than me and had implanted an ideal image of what I should look like in my head. This was the Pamela Anderson/ Carmen Electra era when extremely skinny with large breasts were in. I was a 34aa. Yes smaller than an A cup. I was also waitressing in Las Vegas so small breasts were not attractive for the typical cocktail waitress. I went to a popular doctor in town, the only doctor I consulted with, and decided on him to do my procedure. Electing to have surgery was extremely scary and I didn’t realize it until I lying on the operating bed about to go in for surgery. Up until then the excitement overcame the fear.

Y’all, I am in love with Amber Wagner. When I say that name, it might not ring a bell, but I guarantee you’ve seen her videos before on her Instagram as she’s more famously known as Just Living Baby (@jstlbby). This 26 year old, Los-Angeles based homegirl stands out and is impossible to ignore. Whether it’s because of her flamboyantly fantastic sunglasses, her super long nails or a colorful collection of weaves and wigs on deck, she’s out here encouraging us to live our best lives while reminding us how blessed we are. Even without all of her accessories, Amber commands our attention. Still don’t know who I’m talking about (or just a little curious)? I rounded up some of my favorite videos from her IG to get you just as on board as I am!

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